Is Green Tea a Good Substitute for Water?

Whether hot or cold, green tea helps you stay hydrated.

Green tea is produced from the unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant, which also produces black and oolong teas. While it is safe to drink daily, too much green tea can lead to certain health complications. However, when consumed in moderation, the health benefits of green tea are a bonus, as the beverage can assist you with staying well hydrated. Green tea counts toward your daily fluid intake, but it is not recommended to consume it exclusively.

Staying Well Hydrated

While there is no set requirement for daily water consumption, drinking between six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is the commonly accepted standard, according to MedlinePlus. If you engage in regular physical activity or you live in a particularly warm climate, you may require more water than necessary. Water makes up the majority of your body weight and all of your systems and organs require it to function. Water consumption can occur through diet -- the foods you eat all contain some water -- as well as through other beverages, such as juice, coffee or tea. Some of these beverage alternatives, however, may contain caffeine, which can cause you to lose water potentially leading to dehydration.

Green Tea Health Benefits

Green tea is associated with a wide range of health benefits, making it not only a hydrating beverage but one that can give a boost to your overall health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea may help lower your risk of heart disease as well as reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Green tea is rich in catechins, which promote fat burning and can increase your metabolic efficiency. It is also high in polyphenols, antioxidants that help protect your body from damage from environmental toxins and free radicals, the effects of which can lead to cellular death.

How Much to Drink?

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking no more than 2 to 3 cups of green tea each day for adults. There is currently no determination for green tea consumption for children. Two to 3 cups of green tea may provide you with around 240 to 320 milligrams of polyphenols, giving you access to green tea's numerous health benefits without risking overconsumption of caffeine. Drinking more than 5 cups of green tea per day is ill-advised, states MedlinePlus, as this may lead to certain health complications associated with excess caffeine consumption. While caffeine doses become fatal at between 10 and 14 grams, side effects can still occur with lower doses.

Effects of Overconsumption

Excess green tea consumption can cause your body to absorb iron poorly, according to MedlinePlus. The caffeine content of green tea can cause complications if you are taking any drugs for alertness. Combining green tea with other caffeinated beverages or stimulants can cause you to experience feelings of nervousness and could dangerously elevate your heart rate and blood pressure.

About the Author

Jessica Lewis has published professionally since 2005 and is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Her work is regularly found in the "National Post" and "Oxygen Magazine." She holds degrees from the University of Guelph and McMaster University. A marathon runner and yoga enthusiast, she is also interested in alternative medicine.